ABOVE: From left: Steve Lassiter, Chance the Dog, Samantha Domeier, Ryan Busch, Katha Smith, Kamyra Woodring. These determined workers and volunteers bond with an adoptable pet on Tuesday evening at the Martin County Humane Society in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT – We’re calling, the animals are barking and meowing – all for loving homes in Fairmont! The Martin County Humane Society has been changing the lives of both animals and families for over thirty years, helping bring a new, special kind of love to sheltered pets, and bringing families a new member to cherish. The shelter has housed hundreds of pets and seeks caring owners for every animal that comes their way.

The Martin County Humane Society, also known as the Carl Nettifee Memorial Animal Shelter, pays tribute to Nettifee’s memorial and legacy. Nettifee was a devoted and compassionate animal control officer. His ideals are reflected onto the animal shelter that is operating in his honor and to fulfill the dreams he kept.

The Martin County Humane Society provides public walk-ins for eager adopters and volunteers to meet and greet the adoptable pets.

Currently, the longest-staying resident pets include Galina and Thor. Galina is a female, brown-tabby feline. She is remarked to be rather independent and curious, but a gentle pet. Thor is a male, black labrador retriever mix. He is an affectionate, playful and jovial dog. Both Galina and Thor have been residents at the shelter for over a year. Both animals are children-friendly and are eagerly awaiting a family to love.

The Martin County Humane Society has seen considerable amounts of success. The society has had a generous growth in volunteers, and animals have been happily sent home to their forever families. However, the shelter is in constant need of donations to keep pets thriving and happy during their hospitalization.

Items needed includes dog and cat toys, soft dog treats, KMR kitten formula, Fancy Feast canned cat and kitten foods, garbage bag, ziplocs and unscented dryer sheets and used blankets, towels and bedding.

Frequently throughout the year, the Martin County Humane Society hosts and participates in events to raise awareness for the pets in need of forever homes. The animal shelter will soon holdit bake sale from 9 am to 1 pm on April 20th, at Fleet & Farm in Fairmont. The Fairmont community with an ambition to support the shelter’s mission is encouraged to remain up-to-date with the MCHS agenda through its Facebook page and website.

In addition, to mobilize Fairmont to adopt a fluffy friend, Hawkins Chevrolet generously sponsors two dogs from the shelter every month of the year. The dogs featured in this sponsorship are chosen by the shelter. This sponsorship by Hawkins Chevrolet allows all adoption fees covered as long as interested adopters qualify. Two dogs were the spotlight of the March sponsorship. Boo, a husky dog, and Bruce, a chocolate labrador dog. Dogs sponsored for April will be Maynard, an Australian cattle dog, and Luna, a young pitbull terrier. Interested adopters are welcome to visit the MCHS to meet these animals.

Not only do adoption and fostering save lives and benefit the shelter, but volunteering at the MCHS is a rewarding experience for both volunteers and pets. For some, volunteer work is proven to be a therapeutic, healing pastime. For others, it gives a sense of responsibility. Many animals arrive at the shelter with little to no history of human exchange, volunteering strengthens the layer of trust between person and animal.

“Volunteering helps the pets become adoptable,” an anonymous volunteer noted.

Karen Folkers is the president of the Martin County Humane Society.

“It’s a good feeling to know that you’re helping the animals,” Folkers said. “Whether you’re cuddling animals or cleaning cages, you’re doing a lot for the pets.”

Folkers encourages everyone of all ages to volunteer during open hours. She stated that whatever skill you may have, you can most certainly let it thrive at the Martin County Humane Society.

“Some [volunteers] can’t walk dogs, and some may do some extra work than others. No matter skills or capabilities, there’s something here for everybody.”

Adoption fees vary and include appropriate vaccinations, spaying or neutering, tick preventative, and de-worming.

Arrive at the Martin County Humane Society (522 E Margaret St) and meet a furry companion. Volunteer forms are provided in the building. When you give love to an animal and donate, you support the lives and rehabilitation of pets in Fairmont.

Hours are 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.